Thanks for your comment!Believe it or not, the dynamic range of the Nikon D800E is slightly better than the IQ180. I used both cameras at the Antelope, the D800E with the 14-24mm for handholding and IQ180 with tripod. Although the Lower Antelope was less crowded than the Upper Antelope, it was still very crowded.

I like the way I am enveloped by the lines and tones, almost caleidoscopic (spelling?) in effect. I think the foot prints in the sand detract from this, do you have other compositions with just the rock?

Is it possible to get to these locations without a 4-wheel drive? I am going to be in that area for about a week, albeit in July when it's hotter than Hades itself. My plans for a two week period start in Moab/Arches and work down to Bryce, Zion, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon and last to the north rim of the Grand Canyon.

Is it possible to get to these locations without a 4-wheel drive? I am going to be in that area for about a week, albeit in July when it's hotter than Hades itself. My plans for a two week period start in Moab/Arches and work down to Bryce, Zion, Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon and last to the north rim of the Grand Canyon.

Accessing Antelope Lower Canyon doesn't require any special vehicle. 4x4 truck for Upper is provided by the Navajo guides. Basically, you leave your car in the parking lot and wither climb into a 4x4 (Upper) or directly into the Canyon (Lower).

Thanks Francois to fill it in.Chris...You should go to both Upper and Lower Antelope. The best time is at noon with the sun beam especially at the Upper Antelope.The Upper Antelope is busier but better for sun beam.Get your widest angle lens and the camera with very high ISO as you will shoot handheld most of the time. Too many people! I used the Phase One with Mamiya 28mm on Tripod and Nikon D800 with 14-24mm for handholding. Do not change lenses in there as there are lots of dust.Regular people are limited to 1 hr (at Lower Antelope) and 2 hrs if you have tripods. If you spend more than 2 hrs, you have to pay $20 extra (I did) and you can spend as much time as you want.For Horseshoe Bend, you will shoot to the sun at sunset and the sun is behind you at sunrise. At mid day you will see the whole river but I don't like it as the light was too harsh.Lake Powell is very nice too although we did not have time to go to a boat tour.You may also apply to hike to "The Wave" but they only few people are permitted.Courtyard Hotel where we stayed was very nice with great breakfast.Denver is not very far and we will certainly revisit this place again. I would count my last trip as a "survey".Pramote

Thanks so much for all the information. Don't suppose you have any guide names, etc you could share? Pretty please. I'll definitely take my lightweight tripod and likely only a lens or two to cut down the weight facotr for hiking.

Chris...I went with my family so I didn't use the guide.If you've never been there before, I would recommend you to stop by. There are too many angles you can take pictures which are different from others.How many times do you see pictures of Yosemite, Yellowstones, Grand Canyon etc.? If you don't want to go to places where people already went, you might end up having no places to take photographs at all.Too bad I am not a purist! I for one would not drive for 9 hours just to be in a sleeping bag in nowhere. I'd better camp in a nearby state park Pramote

Thanks so much for all the information. Don't suppose you have any guide names, etc you could share? Pretty please. I'll definitely take my lightweight tripod and likely only a lens or two to cut down the weight facotr for hiking.

For the Antelope Canyons and Horseshoe Bend, you don't need a guide at all. For other places, I've used Charlie Moore and Jackson Bridges from Overland Canyon Tours. I was very happy with the services they offered. Be sure to contact them a long time before you arrive in Page, AZ.

FWIW, I took a tripod in both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons but I have to agree with Pramote, the Upper is more crowded. And one last hint about Antelope Canyon, if the wind is blowing, be prepared to shield your photographic equipment or you'll face expensive repair bills.

If you can't make it to the Wave then try your hand at the South Coyote Buttes (a permit is needed too).

Great info. I am already on the permits, etc. I've looked forward to this trip for quite some time. I wonder if an underwater housing would work for camera protection in the wind. I have one that leaks slighly though probably not for wind and sand to worry over.